34Andrew Sendejo DB

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Vikings' Andrew Sendejo: Totals 80 tackles in 2017

by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire

Sendejo (calf) recorded 80 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions over 13 games in 2017.

Overshadowed by a pair of 2017 first-team All-Pros in his own secondary (Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes), Sendejo quietly put together an outstanding season in his own right and ultimately finished the year as Pro Football Focus' 17th-ranked safety out of 89 qualifiers. In fact, opposing quarterbacks managed a meager 69.6 passer rating when throwing into Sendejo's coverage and his 80 tackles checks in at 22nd among all defensive backs. The 30-year-old veteran, who remains under contract with Minnesota for another two seasons, injured his calf during the Vikings' NFC championship loss to the Eagles but there's been no reported concern over his availability for the start of offseason workouts.

Sendejo (concussion), who was a limited practice participant Wednesday, seems to be "on track to start" in Sunday's NFC championship game in Philadelphia, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Suiting up this weekend will depend on Sendejo's progress through the concussion protocol, but he's through enough of the five steps to take part in individual drills Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. Sendejo would improve his odds to play with a full practice by the end of the week. In the end, though, the Vikings' starting strong safety must receive clearance from an independent neurologist in order to do so.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Sendejo (concussion) would take part in individual drills during Wednesday's practice, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Zimmer added that Sendejo had passed through some steps in the NFL's concussion protocol, which the safety entered Sunday after colliding with Saints wideout Michael Thomas in the Vikings' 29-24 divisional-round victory. Sendejo will likely need to resume taking contact in practice later this week and receive clearance from an independent neurologist before he's given the green light to play this weekend in the NFC championship against the Eagles. Anthony Harris would be next man up at safety if Sendejo is unable to play.

Sendejo was ruled out for the remainder Sunday's divisional-round game against the Saints and is in the concussion protocol.

Sendejo collided heads with Saints receiver Michael Thomas on a route combination and appeared to be knocked unconscious, and was briefly labeled questionable to return. Anthony Harris started in Sendejo's absence at strong safety earlier this season and could be in that position again for the rest of Sunday's game.

The long-time Vikings safety was limited in practice this week, but he has progressed enough to slot into Saturday's contest that holds seeding implications. Sendejo has already logged 70 tackles and two interceptions this season, and he'll have plenty of opportunities against the run and pass Saturday since the Packers run a more balanced offense with Brett Hundley under center.